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Threats, be they of violence or any other kind, can have a profound effect on your mental health. They can induce feelings of anxiety and fear and sometimes even self-blame. How should you respond if you are faced with a threat? The most important things you can do immediately are to stay calm, treat the threat seriously and absolutely never threaten back.

You should never deal with a threat on your own. Whether you decide to call the police immediately or not, it is important that you share your dilemma with someone you trust.

Let them see any threatening messages you have received and let them know who is threatening you. If things escalate, you will have a friend and companion who knows what is going on and who can support you. It is essential that you never consent to meeting with the person who is threatening you alone. In fact, it is best if you do not reach out to them at all, at least not immediately.

It is also very important that you retain all evidence of the threats made against you. As unpleasant as it is, it will help to showcase the level of the threat and will be very useful if you feel that legal action is required. It will be very helpful if you decide to seek a restraining order, which you can request at your local police station after providing them with your evidence.

An order will either prevent the person who is threatening you from carrying out certain activities or require them to keep a certain distance from you. While not entirely a solution, a restraining order can be a useful first step towards a resolution.

If you feel police action is necessary, your harasser may be arrested and face charges. Threatening behaviour and harassment are both arrestable offences and if any physical action is inflicted on you, assault can lead to a custodial sentence. Alternatively, you may be able to file a civil suit for emotional distress and losses that can occur as a result.

It is always advisable to take personal threats against you seriously and to take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. Do not be afraid to contact the police if you feel as though you are in physical danger. If the threat is not one of violence, it may be possible to sit down together with a mediator and work towards a peaceful resolution.

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